Biography
Paul is an Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Posdoctoral Fellow conducting work in the iCRAG raw materials research challenge. They have a BSc from New Mexico Tech (USA), an MSc from Queen’s University (Canada), and a PhD from James Cook University (Australia). Prior to their PhD, Paul previously worked in the geological/geotechnical engineering and mining/mineral exploration sectors. They specialise in critical metal resources and using rare earth element (REE) trace element and isotope chemistry in different rocks to establish the petrogenesis and relationships to mineralisation. Past works include the carbonatite affiliated Yangibana LREE deposit (Western Australia), the alkaline basalts and base metal mineralisation (Co. Limerick), and hyperspectral analysis of the Mourne Mts. They are currently the primary investigator working on the petrogenesis and critical element deportment in the Mourne Mts. and are also collaborating on several other REE projects.
Technical description
The Mourne Mountain Complex (MMC) is a subalkaline granitic igneous suite prospective critical metals. This project is 1) investigating the elemental deportment in critical metal-bearing minerals using hyperspectral cathodoluminescence and 2) conducting radiogenic isotope analyses (e.g. Nd, Sr & Pb) to determine the origins and processes that affect critical metal tenor in granitic systems. The outcomes of this study will not only contribute to foundational geologic knowledge but also provide insights to natural processes that may be reverse engineered and applied towards better mineral processing.
Role
- Postdoctoral Researcher
Institution
- UCD
Research Area
- Earth Resources
Expertise
- Mineral Exploration
